I'm actually floored at how quickly I've become attached to my first rotation lab. It usually takes me quite some time to warm up to new people; and much longer for them to warm up to me, quite frankly. I consider it a good sign that I'm already comfortable enough with half of my labmates and my PI to joke freely with them, and so forth.
As I feel I've grown close to them, however, I've also become paranoid about what they think of me. Every mistake (believe me: there have been plenty) is amplified in my mind with thoughts of: "Do they think I'm a complete moron now?!" So far, indications lean towards the No Camp; but hey, you never know.
It's also become somewhat obvious that all members of this particular lab share cultural and recreational bonds that reinforce their coherence. For example, they are all
1. devoted coffee drinkers
2. outdoorsmen/women
3. skilled, competitive athletes
4. married/engaged/partnered for "many" years
5. amateur chefs.
James, on the other hand
1. drinks tea for his caffiene buzz because coffee "doesn't agree" with his digestive system
2. has been camping on three occasions
3. will shamelessly drool at gorgeous athletes
4. just moved in with his boyfriend
5. makes Zach cook.
Perhaps it's early enough in my developing "relationship" with these fine folks that my insecurities about "fitting in" are more exposed than they'd be in other situations. After all, in my old lab job, I fully recall harboring similar reservations about my ability to "find my place" in a group of folks with which I appeared to have little in common. But, over time, I found their percieved similarities to be superficial, at best.
Still, the fact that I now work with four competitive runners and a triathlete, while I tripped thrice climbing four flights of stairs, pretty much circles me as an outgroup... with a giant red marker.
I can't wait to tell them I listen to classical music!
Posted by James at October 4, 2005 09:28 PM